Pivoting tool for positioning automotive components

Abstract

A system for positioning and welding a bracket 30 to a mounting surface, such as a vehicle side rail 40 , including using a pivoting tool 20 on a moveable arm 10 that allows the bracket 30 to pivot to minimize the gap between the bracket 30 and its intended mounting surface. The pivoting tool 20 secures, positions near the surface, and allows the bracket 30 to pivot for a precise surface match. A welder 50 welds the bracket 30 to the surface with the gap minimized while the bracket 30 is held in the desired position. The pivoting tool 20 is preferably on an adjustable appendage 12 or combination end 60 mounted on a distal end of the arm 10 . The flexible tooling does not require the bracket 30 to be forced with substantial pressure against the mounting surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for welding a bracket to a mounting surface, the system comprising:
 a robotic arm having a distal end; 
 a pivoting tool mounted at the distal end of the robotic arm to pivot freely; 
 a grip provided on the pivoting tool and operable to hold a bracket; and 
 a welder for securing the bracket to a mounting surface; 
 wherein the pivoting tool passively pivots the bracket as a surface of the bracket contacts the mounting surface to automatically match the surface of the bracket to the mounting surface to reduce or eliminate a gap therebetween; 
 wherein the welder is a welding robot also mounted on the robotic arm as a combination end on the distal end of the robotic arm, and the welding robot can move in all directions relative to the pivoting tool. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  further comprising a sensor that observes, detects, perceives or determines placement of the bracket. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2  wherein the sensor is a vision sensor. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1  wherein the pivoting tool is stationary during welding to hold the bracket in place. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1  adapted for manufacturing a vehicle side rail with the bracket welded on a portion of the side rail using the pivoting tool and the welder, wherein the pivoting tool via pivoting positioning minimizes the gap between the bracket and the side rail. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1  further comprising a pivot pin allowing the pivoting tool to pivot relative to the distal end of the robotic arm.